Days soon turned into a week and one week into two. All the while, Amy steadily improved to the point that Violet was able to take her on walks in a wheelchair and then actual walks without. Not anywhere far, just down outside of the main lobby and into the small garden that surrounded the entrance. However, the way Amy’s face lit up every time made the journey more than worth it.

Their routine continued much the same it had since they first arrived, Violet handled most of the chores that didn’t require the hospital staff and the two made the most of their time by sharing stories, playing games, and reading. And as discussed, Violet still did not help Amy bathe. Which was a little confusing but she supposed there had been a period after that first time at school that Amy didn’t want Violet to join her again. Not until nearly the end of their time there, come to think of it.

Perhaps that spoke to the broader question of what they were or what they could be. Another topic that was left alone for the time being. In the end, Violet wasn’t overly concerned with it. “ I love you” flowed often between the pair and knowing that’s the way they felt about each other was what mattered.

Another notable absence in their lives was even a whisper of Richard York or any of his cronies. President Hodgins had confirmed privately that at least his letter was delivered and other correspondence started to arrive confirming the same. Notably from Mrs. Evergarden and Princess Charlotte, two powerful names and ones Violet hoped would stoke the man’s fears about potentially losing his fortune. They just had to believe that was enough to keep him from making any…poor decisions.

Finally, at the end of those two weeks, the Doctor strode into Amy’s room one afternoon with a reserved smile on his face. “Good afternoon, Miss Evergarden,” he said before coming to stand at the foot of Amy’s bed. Naturally, Amy perked up where she sat and so too did Violet in the chair next to her. 

“Good afternoon, Doctor,” Amy replied with more than a little anxiety and anticipation in her voice. Something the doctor must’ve picked up because he chuckled and started nodding. 

“The answer to your unsaid question is ‘yes,’ Miss Evergarden. You can go home tomorrow.”

At this, Amy beamed with excitement and immediately turned to Violet. Of course, she returned the smile and reached out to take her hand and offer it a gentle squeeze. Whereupon Amy returned her attention to the Doctor.

“Thank you so much!”

“Your thanks aren’t necessary, we’re just happy to see you well again. Besides, any longer and we would’ve had to put your friend on staff and start paying her!” More laughter followed his quip before he settled down and continued. “Anyway, a nurse will be by later with some paperwork to fill out and I’ll be by to check on you one last time in the morning.” When he was finished, he waived his goodbye and then disappeared out into the hall again, no doubt to attend to other patients. 

After Violet watched him go, but when she turned back, she saw a strange look had settled on Amy’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Amy answered before shaking her head and letting the smile grow on her lips. “I suppose we should get ready to go, hmm?”

Violet thought about pressing but ultimately decided against it. It wasn’t as though there wouldn’t be time to talk if something really was bothering her. “Very well, let’s get you packed.”

The remainder of the day was spent gathering Amy’s things and filling out the aforementioned paperwork once it arrived. And when it was all said and done, the two women sat on Amy’s hospital bed, feet over the side, looking at the door to her room.

“When we leave tomorrow, I feel like everything is going to change,” Amy said in almost a wistful tone.

The sentiment had Violet nodding slowly and thinking back on everything that had happened so far, everything they’d been through to get to this point. It was hard to believe there were still more changes to come but Amy was right. Taylor was beyond those doors, whatever new place they chose to live in once they got back, a whole life together, presumably. It was almost overwhelming if you thought too hard about it and Violet found herself reaching over and grabbing Amy’s hand. Which she readily gave. A moment later, she intertwined their fingers and Amy took that as an invitation to scoot closer and rest her head on Violet’s shoulder.

“It will,” Violet ultimately agreed. “For the better.”

“Yeah, for the better.”

“And you know the best way to prepare for that right?” Violet asked with the barest hint of amusement in her voice.

“I’m going to go with…getting a full night’s rest?” Amy replied, that same amusement slipping into hers as well.

“That’s right.”

“See, I knew I learned something from you!”

Following one last squeeze of the hand in hers, and some quiet laughter, Violet stood and helped get Amy tucked in to sleep before returning to the couch for one last night of sleep on their own. She hadn’t admitted it yet but Violet was very excited about what tomorrow night would bring, a chance for the two women to sleep together again in her bed for a change. Something that Amy was most likely looking forward to with equal eagerness.

When the two girls awoke the next morning, Amy was rushing so much that Violet had to make sure she wasn’t missing a piece of clothing before they greeted the doctor and subsequently left the room to go to the nurse’s station. Thankfully it was an easy process from there on out. Amy was simply discharged without any further ado and, as expected, the bill was already paid in full and the two women could leave without worry. When this was said and done, they would have to properly thank Mrs. Evergarden for intervening so generously on Violet’s behalf. 

Once they exited the building and were out on the street, Amy shifted her bag on her shoulder and then let out a long sigh. “I can’t believe all my possessions are right here on my back.”

That was an interesting assertion and it had Violet looking over with a bit of curiosity in her eye. “You… don’t need anything from your father’s estate?” Not that she would be able to get them easily but if the pair had learned anything, where there was a will, there was a way.

“Nope,” Amy replied and shrugged. “I’ve got the most important thing from there with me already.”

“Really?” Violet asked. “What’s that?”

“Your letters, Violet.”

“You managed to keep those? Even after your father found out about your feelings?”

“I did,” Amy confirmed with a nod. “Safe, hidden, and never out of my sight.” For emphasis, she tapped the bag a few times while managing to look quite pleased with herself.

“You continue to surprise me, Amy Bartlett,” Violet said before offering her arm.

“Amy Evergarden ,” she corrected with a wink before taking it and using it to help bear some of her weight. “Just kidding,” Amy said a moment later but if Violet was being honest with herself, she quite liked the sound of it too. “So, where to first? Your room?”

“Yes, we should go drop off your things.”

“And then the train station, right?”

Violet couldn’t help but smile at the eagerness but nodded all the same. “And then the train station.”

It had clearly been some time since Amy had been in a bustling city like this because her eyes flicked back and forth looking at people going about their day. Shops were full, cable cars crisscrossed, and all the while her smile grew and grew. 

“Liking your new home?”

“My new home ,” Amy repeated back before nodding her agreement. “Yes, and I think Taylor will too. We’ll have to get somewhere to live, you know. I doubt your room is big enough for the three of us.”

That assumption was correct and Violet had been thinking on that very thing ever since they discussed staying there tonight before heading out tomorrow. Luckily, help extended beyond getting Amy away from her father. “President Hodgins and Cattleya will be working on that while we’re gone.”

Amy hummed her contentment with Violet’s answer and melted a little more into her side while they walked. “Every time I hear their names, I can’t help but be reminded how amazing they are.”

“They are.” And Violet had no doubt they would find somewhere suitable, if not multiple places for the pair to choose from.  

Violet and Amy continued on at a slow pace a few blocks to a stop for a cable car. Amy clung to her nearly the entire time but it wasn’t necessarily out of any affection or romantic intention. Not primarily, anyway. It was clear from her gate that the weeks in bed hadn’t done her any favors and it seemed that she leaned on Violet for help more than anything else. Which was fine with her, whatever Amy needed Violet was here for her. However, she did perk up a little during their ride, even if it was only for a few stops before being deposited outside Violet’s building. 

“Well, it’s certainly different than the dorms,” Amy noted where they stood, her head dropped back to take in the whole building and its many stories.  

“Very,” Violet agreed. 

Amy was similarly observant as they went inside and rode the elevator to Violet’s floor. Something she rarely did in favor of the stairs but today was different for obvious reasons. And then it was only a few steps down the hall, a key in the door, and then she was stepping inside and waving for Amy to follow.

“So, this is where you’ve been hiding from me?” Following the question, Amy began to walk around the room, carefully inspecting every nook and cranny. Which didn’t take long. The room was mostly bare and only had a few personal touches here and there. A bookshelf with Violet’s favorite novels, a desk that held her typewriter, a table for eating with two chairs, and an armoire for her clothing. Oh and her bed, of course. Normally meant for one but she had no doubt they could prove two slept just fine in it. 

Amy must’ve spotted something else on her desk though because a few quick steps had her closing the distance and then her hands were on the stack of papers carefully set off to one side.

“My letters…”

Violet couldn’t help but smile as she stepped up and nodded in confirmation. “Yes, every one of them. Before bed, I would come and pick one at random and then read it.” And it never failed to make her smile or fill her heart with warmth. 

“I’m just glad a certain one appears to be missing.”

“Oh? This one?” Violet withdrew a piece of paper from her jacket and held it up for Amy to see. It had clearly been crumpled and then straightened out and folded again. Visible proof of how emotional their reunion had been.

“”I see you kept that one…”

“Yes.” And just for emphasis, she placed it atop the pile and then offered them all a small, fond pat. “It’s important.” 

“Is it?” Amy asked. “But I told you I’d never write you again, it’s awful.”

“No,” Violet responded with a shake of her head. “It’s not awful, it’s selfless. I know it would’ve hurt me but I had my friends around me. President Hodgins and Cattleya and everyone at the postal company. But you, Amy…you would’ve faced what this meant all alone.” As she spoke, Violet placed a hand on Amy’s back to offer a few gentle rubs. “You were ready to give up both Taylor and I because you thought it would be better for us in the end. I know the pain that comes with loss and to have twice that? It’s almost unbearable.”

Tears formed in the corner of Amy’s eyes but didn’t fall. Instead, she only nodded and when she turned, Violet didn’t hesitate to bring her into a tight hug. 

“Okay, it can stay.” After another tight squeeze, Amy leaned back and then came up on her toes to give Violet a fleeting kiss. Another regular occurrence now that she was growing quite fond of. Then Amy pulled away and underneath that sadness a smile formed and excitement seemed to bloom. She slung her bag off her shoulder then and dug around inside until she produced the letters that Violet had written her. “Well, in order for the collection to be complete, we’re going to need these .” She turned then and placed the stack on the desk, right next to the others. “Now the story is complete!”

“No,” Violet said in gentle protest. “It’s only the end of the first book.” Then she looked at Amy and reached out with her hand to take hers. “But I can’t wait to write the others.”

At this, Amy beamed and nodded silently before starting to pull Violet toward the door. “And speaking of new books, we still have one more character to meet.” 

“That’s right,” Violet agreed. “Now, let’s go get those tickets.” Taylor was waiting for them, after all. And no story that involved Violet and Amy would ever be complete without her.